How Can I Change the Password of My Real-Time Target?

Updated Nov 19, 2025

Reported In

Hardware

  • CompactRIO Controller
  • PXI Controller

Operating System

  • Phar Lap
  • VxWorks
  • LabVIEW Real-Time (NI Linux Real-Time)

Issue Details

I need to change the password of my NI Real-Time target. How can I do that?

Solution

To change the password of your Real-Time (RT) target, you can consider the following options:

NI MAX

To change your RT target's password using NI MAX, follow these steps:

  • Press OK.

SSH

To change your RT target's password via SSH, follow these steps:

  • Make sure SSH is enabled in your target.
  • Establish an SSH connection to your target. Please refer to the Accessing the Shell on NI Linux Real-Time Devices knowledge article for detailed instructions.
  • Enter the passwd command.
  • Enter your current password. If you were not using a password before, press Enter.
    • Note: By default, Linux will hide the characters you are entering. Do not be concerned, as they are still being registered, even if you do not see anything written on your screen.
  • Re-enter your new password.
  • The following message will show up in the terminal: passwd: password updated successfully